Photo Gallery
![We start our tour from Narita on the outskirts of Tokyo...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4307%2F35249959184_5645d7da0b_o.jpg?)
We start our tour from Narita on the outskirts of Tokyo…
![the area around the airport is charmingly rural...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4327%2F35958917151_137ca30e96_o.jpg?)
the area around the airport is charmingly rural…
![and traditional Japan is very much in evidence.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4294%2F35701730270_bc442fd0ae_o.jpg?)
and traditional Japan is very much in evidence.
![As we drive to Nikko we make stops at the "Road Stations", each cared for by the local people and with an individual charm.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4320%2F36089659495_6c5e59a14f_o.jpg?)
As we drive to Nikko we make stops at the "Road Stations", each cared for by the local people and with an individual charm.
![We'll explore the magnificent temples of this ancient city...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265321776_b47c8cb576_b.jpg?)
We’ll explore the magnificent temples of this ancient city…
![experiencing one of Japan's cultural centres. Here, a temple entrance...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265294201_8e60cc99c0_b.jpg?)
experiencing one of Japan’s cultural centres. Here, a temple entrance…
![...and the famous original Three Wise Monkeys...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F8039%2F8050824266_dce7a6a8b6_b.jpg?)
…and the famous original Three Wise Monkeys…
![...fearsome temple guardians...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264695558_2b9965b968_b.jpg?)
…fearsome temple guardians…
![...and mythical dragons.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265534672_f57df62258_b.jpg?)
…and mythical dragons.
![But we'll also make time to explore the bird filled forests of the area.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4299%2F35249958884_534cc3685c_o.jpg?)
But we’ll also make time to explore the bird filled forests of the area.
![Spring is well under way and the forests are simply gorgeous](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4328%2F35249957944_5209e52676_o.jpg?)
Spring is well under way and the forests are simply gorgeous
![Even as we bird, we'll be immersed in Japan's ancient culture...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264595458_7baaef6da3_b.jpg?)
Even as we bird, we’ll be immersed in Japan’s ancient culture…
![The temple surrounds are often filled with birds...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264594678_8ae8d1ca0c_b.jpg?)
The temple surrounds are often filled with birds…
![...such as this Red-flanked Bluetail...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091014101_1462d00eb9_b.jpg?)
…such as this Red-flanked Bluetail…
![Many of the small passerines will be very vocal. Here a Eurasian Wren announces his territory.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4298%2F36089653975_37f1801542_o.jpg?)
Many of the small passerines will be very vocal. Here a Eurasian Wren announces his territory.
![The songs of the Blue-and-white Flycatcher fill the forest...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4294%2F36089653815_c68404df1d_o.jpg?)
The songs of the Blue-and-white Flycatcher fill the forest…
![...and the stunning Narcissus Flycatcher is found in the forests here.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4307%2F35699453970_a84ea2baf6_o.jpg?)
…and the stunning Narcissus Flycatcher is found in the forests here.
![Our birding in the area is varied. In the agricultural areas we'll look for Japan's national treasure, the Green Pheasant...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091110037_5a59f920cf_b.jpg?)
Our birding in the area is varied. In the agricultural areas we’ll look for Japan’s national treasure, the Green Pheasant…
![...and we may encounter Chestnut-eared Buntings as the farmers till the fields.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4296%2F36089654805_cf267d763e_o.jpg?)
…and we may encounter Chestnut-eared Buntings as the farmers till the fields.
![Local naturalists have constructed nest boxes for the remarkable Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091109302_0113d20b2b_b.jpg?)
Local naturalists have constructed nest boxes for the remarkable Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel.
![Some of the road signs are amusing...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4309%2F36089658285_256f00d5f7_o.jpg?)
Some of the road signs are amusing…
![but maybe accurate!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4302%2F35252199464_f4ed23d7b0_b.jpg?)
but maybe accurate!
![Japan is steeped in tradition and even the waterfalls are culturally significant.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4329%2F36089655685_b0cbf3098a_o.jpg?)
Japan is steeped in tradition and even the waterfalls are culturally significant.
![Our vehicle - the one on the right! - is a 10 seater van](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4316%2F35252198794_8f2560cf26_b.jpg?)
Our vehicle - the one on the right! - is a 10 seater van
![And we will enjoy many amazing traditional meals...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4293%2F35699451470_eb2679dd7b_o.jpg?)
And we will enjoy many amazing traditional meals…
![Our trip is about more than birds - as you can see, it's about the culture, the people, the scenery, the flora, and other animals, too.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4329%2F35249948194_fdb5ec821d_o.jpg?)
Our trip is about more than birds - as you can see, it’s about the culture, the people, the scenery, the flora, and other animals, too.
![As we travel through the Japan Alps, we'll encounter many amazing sights...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265250026_6b55195e87_b.jpg?)
As we travel through the Japan Alps, we’ll encounter many amazing sights…
![If time permits, we'll drop in to see the famous Matsumoto Castle, before heading to...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264667293_66ec2772b0_b.jpg?)
If time permits, we’ll drop in to see the famous Matsumoto Castle, before heading to…
![Mount Fuji, where the birding is fun but the mountain is the real star!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4326%2F35699454470_0e0339b0d0_o.jpg?)
Mount Fuji, where the birding is fun but the mountain is the real star!
![Our early morning view as we're out birding is incredible.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4305%2F36089651095_f7fdf00608_o.jpg?)
Our early morning view as we’re out birding is incredible.
![A small shrine on the slopes of the Fuji pays homage to a mountain spirit.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4301%2F35699443130_972de532fb_o.jpg?)
A small shrine on the slopes of the Fuji pays homage to a mountain spirit.
![Japan is a truly beautiful country...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4325%2F36089650905_f17e071671_o.jpg?)
Japan is a truly beautiful country…
![As we bird on the flanks of this most iconic of mountains, we should find more Red-flanked Bluetails...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091110627_8af192f36a_b.jpg?)
As we bird on the flanks of this most iconic of mountains, we should find more Red-flanked Bluetails…
![and maybe some tiny Goldcrests.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091048423_8bc9501378_b.jpg?)
and maybe some tiny Goldcrests.
![One of our main targets will be the localised Japanese Accentor, which should be singing loudly!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265259946_09ae2a9ac1_b.jpg?)
One of our main targets will be the localised Japanese Accentor, which should be singing loudly!
![Many of the birds are busy nesting or caring for young. This Grey Wagtail carries nesting material.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4329%2F36089654425_e2c29489bb_o.jpg?)
Many of the birds are busy nesting or caring for young. This Grey Wagtail carries nesting material.
![As we travel around we are always aware of Japan's unique culture...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265353021_564dbfb08f_b.jpg?)
As we travel around we are always aware of Japan’s unique culture…
![...this is a typical farmhouse and lovingly tended garden.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4299%2F36089657085_98600e03a0_o.jpg?)
…this is a typical farmhouse and lovingly tended garden.
![Fields of irises abound in the countryside.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4296%2F35249957384_145f8d38f1_o.jpg?)
Fields of irises abound in the countryside.
![Our next destination is Okinawa where we are greeted by the Shisa lion-dogs.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4330%2F35701729400_676dd37046_o.jpg?)
Our next destination is Okinawa where we are greeted by the Shisa lion-dogs.
![We'll head north to the vast and newly declared Yanbaru National Park...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264695898_7b14364258_b.jpg?)
We’ll head north to the vast and newly declared Yanbaru National Park…
![...where we go in search of Okinawa Rail, a bird that is much loved here in the southern island.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4303%2F35699447750_b5fa318b59_o.jpg?)
…where we go in search of Okinawa Rail, a bird that is much loved here in the southern island.
![Here your leader, Susan poses with another rail...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4305%2F35701732680_3f82e320ba_b.jpg?)
Here your leader, Susan poses with another rail…
![...but it's the real thing that we will hope to see!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48147221932_e01bc507d2_b.jpg?)
…but it’s the real thing that we will hope to see!
![Okinawa boasts many exciting endemics, including the recently split Owsten's Flycatcher whose distinctive song usually gives him away.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4296%2F35699445250_10ced255c9_o.jpg?)
Okinawa boasts many exciting endemics, including the recently split Owsten’s Flycatcher whose distinctive song usually gives him away.
![...as well as some exciting migrants, like this Ruddy Kingfisher...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091108272_2116a06fa9_b.jpg?)
…as well as some exciting migrants, like this Ruddy Kingfisher…
![and occasionally something extraordinary turns up, like this Von Schrenk's Bittern...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4310%2F35701728920_c8611db77f_o.jpg?)
and occasionally something extraordinary turns up, like this Von Schrenk’s Bittern…
![We'll travel to the far north of the island, where we find a fearsome deity.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4328%2F35249951064_fdc6519c53_o.jpg?)
We’ll travel to the far north of the island, where we find a fearsome deity.
![As the sun sets over the ocean...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4298%2F35956453581_4a872e1bb9_o.jpg?)
As the sun sets over the ocean…
![...we'll head out nightbirding, which can be exciting, too. Here the restricted range Ryukyu Scops Owl.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091107252_8b72aac4b4_b.jpg?)
…we’ll head out nightbirding, which can be exciting, too. Here the restricted range Ryukyu Scops Owl.
![..and with luck a Northern Boobook.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091045363_ef87487016_b.jpg?)
..and with luck a Northern Boobook.
![We travel by air to Amami Ōshima the following day.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4312%2F35920588332_ea57ff5826_o.jpg?)
We travel by air to Amami Ōshima the following day.
![And here we'll encounter more exciting island endemics, like the charismatic Lidth's Jay.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091046803_3f65115b95_b.jpg?)
And here we’ll encounter more exciting island endemics, like the charismatic Lidth’s Jay.
![At night, we'll go searching for Amami Woodcock...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F48091012631_bcfc75fcfd_b.jpg?)
At night, we’ll go searching for Amami Woodcock…
![...and Amami's charming and odd endemic Black Rabbit is one of our hoped-for sightings...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4293%2F35252202634_0e0092d336_o.jpg?)
…and Amami’s charming and odd endemic Black Rabbit is one of our hoped-for sightings…
![Stunning Ryukyu Robins are common along the roadsides.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4307%2F35249950254_a4130cd6b4_o.jpg?)
Stunning Ryukyu Robins are common along the roadsides.
![Many of the birds and small mammals of Japan are threatened by introduced mongoose but the Busters are after them.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4310%2F35699445690_e2871a306f_o.jpg?)
Many of the birds and small mammals of Japan are threatened by introduced mongoose but the Busters are after them.
![Next we'll head to Japan's far north, the fabled island of Hokkaido.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4308%2F35956452371_9fa9051bb7_o.jpg?)
Next we’ll head to Japan’s far north, the fabled island of Hokkaido.
![At this time of year, the weather is delightful and everything is green and new. Here a breeding Red-crowned Crane.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264697608_f2620e94e4_b.jpg?)
At this time of year, the weather is delightful and everything is green and new. Here a breeding Red-crowned Crane.
![The birds in Hokkaido will be bursting with spring time energy! Here the Japanese subspecies of Eurasian Nuthatch...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265533772_22ab177ba1_b.jpg?)
The birds in Hokkaido will be bursting with spring time energy! Here the Japanese subspecies of Eurasian Nuthatch…
![And the usually shy grasshopper warblers are singing their hearts out!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265590672_53ecde50b1_b.jpg?)
And the usually shy grasshopper warblers are singing their hearts out!
![The stark beauty of the Hokkaido landscape is fascinating and varied. Here, the Shiretoko Pass...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265433032_8637187368_b.jpg?)
The stark beauty of the Hokkaido landscape is fascinating and varied. Here, the Shiretoko Pass…
![...and the mist shrouded Kiritappu, meaning "full of fog"...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265248981_0b77bafa4e_b.jpg?)
…and the mist shrouded Kiritappu, meaning "full of fog"…
![and the verdant marshlands of Kushiro.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264584598_272936e4aa_b.jpg?)
and the verdant marshlands of Kushiro.
![Japan's wonderful infrastructure allows us easy access to her natural wonders.](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50264590728_99e949450b_b.jpg?)
Japan’s wonderful infrastructure allows us easy access to her natural wonders.
![On our boat excursion, we might even be lucky enough to encounter Brown Bear!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265590752_299e041c8c_b.jpg?)
On our boat excursion, we might even be lucky enough to encounter Brown Bear!
![The Japanese cuisine with its delicious flavors and artistic presentations, will leave a lasting impression. Here is our hot pot dinner and very impressive it is!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4317%2F35252205604_e801b220b5_b.jpg?)
The Japanese cuisine with its delicious flavors and artistic presentations, will leave a lasting impression. Here is our hot pot dinner and very impressive it is!
![More great food!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4311%2F36089645425_8230affe2f_o.jpg?)
More great food!
![And plastic sushi!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265354061_21076f0e00_b.jpg?)
And plastic sushi!
![This spring time tour of Japan will be memorable not only for the wonderful birding...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4323%2F36089650505_fee70933b7_o.jpg?)
This spring time tour of Japan will be memorable not only for the wonderful birding…
![...but for unforgettable scenery...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4320%2F36089648915_16ce7bcdd3_o.jpg?)
…but for unforgettable scenery…
![...the lush and beautiful spring time forests...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4302%2F35956449191_69e2a5c4b3_o.jpg?)
…the lush and beautiful spring time forests…
![...the unique Japanese culture, here a temple Lion Dog...](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4318%2F35701729210_b2f765cc4e_o.jpg?)
…the unique Japanese culture, here a temple Lion Dog…
![...even traditional packaging makes a powerful impression!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F65535%2F50265534977_cba09bd39d_b.jpg?)
…even traditional packaging makes a powerful impression!
![And last but certainly not least, the people we meet along the way!
Here Susan gets a lesson in the traditional taiko drums (she's not very good!)](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4299%2F35699451920_5762706334_o.jpg?)
And last but certainly not least, the people we meet along the way! Here Susan gets a lesson in the traditional taiko drums (she’s not very good!)
![So come join us in Japan!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4322%2F35956448111_573bd87e34_o.jpg?)
So come join us in Japan!
![Oh, and we made the local newspaper!](/timthumb.php?w=450&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F4307%2F35956452911_94154c2e6d_o.jpg?)
Oh, and we made the local newspaper!